Patents by Inventor I-Cheng Hu

I-Cheng Hu has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10446447
    Abstract: A method for fabricating semiconductor device includes the steps of: forming a fin-shaped structure on a substrate; forming a shallow trench isolation (STI) around the fin-shaped structure; forming a liner on the fin-shaped structure; and removing the liner and part of the fin-shaped structure so that a sidewall of the fin-shaped structure comprises a curve. Moreover, the method includes forming an epitaxial layer around the sidewall of the fin-shaped structure while a top surface of the fin-shaped structure is exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Yi-Fan Li, I-Cheng Hu, Chun-Jen Chen, Tien-I Wu, Yu-Shu Lin, Chun-Yuan Wu
  • Patent number: 10128366
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a gate structure formed over the semiconductor substrate, and an epitaxial structure formed partially within the semiconductor substrate. The gate structure includes a gate dielectric layer formed over the semiconductor substrate, a gate electrode formed over the gate dielectric layer, and a spacer formed on side surfaces of the gate dielectric layer and the gate electrode. A laterally extending portion of the epitaxial structure extends laterally at an area below a top surface of the semiconductor substrate in a direction toward an area below the gate structure. A lateral end of the laterally extending portion is below the spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yu-Ying Lin, Kuan Hsuan Ku, I-Cheng Hu, Chueh-Yang Liu, Shui-Yen Lu, Yu Shu Lin, Chun Yao Yang, Yu-Ren Wang, Neng-Hui Yang
  • Publication number: 20180323302
    Abstract: A method for fabricating semiconductor device includes the steps of: forming a fin-shaped structure on a substrate; forming a shallow trench isolation (STI) around the fin-shaped structure; forming a liner on the fin-shaped structure; and removing the liner and part of the fin-shaped structure so that a sidewall of the fin-shaped structure comprises a curve. Moreover, the method includes forming an epitaxial layer around the sidewall of the fin-shaped structure while a top surface of the fin-shaped structure is exposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Yi-Fan Li, I-Cheng Hu, Chun-Jen Chen, Tien-I Wu, Yu-Shu Lin, Chun-Yuan Wu
  • Patent number: 10056490
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a fin-shaped structure on a substrate, in which a sidewall of the fin-shaped structure comprises a curve. Specifically, the fin-shaped structure includes a top portion and a bottom portion, a shallow trench isolation (STI) around the bottom portion of the fin-shaped structure, and the curve includes a planar portion extending from the top surface of fin-shaped structure downward and a curved portion extending from the bottom surface of the fin-shaped structure upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Yi-Fan Li, I-Cheng Hu, Chun-Jen Chen, Tien-I Wu, Yu-Shu Lin, Chun-Yuan Wu
  • Publication number: 20180158943
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a gate structure formed over the semiconductor substrate, and an epitaxial structure formed partially within the semiconductor substrate. The gate structure includes a gate dielectric layer formed over the semiconductor substrate, a gate electrode formed over the gate dielectric layer, and a spacer formed on side surfaces of the gate dielectric layer and the gate electrode. A laterally extending portion of the epitaxial structure extends laterally at an area below a top surface of the semiconductor substrate in a direction toward an area below the gate structure. A lateral end of the laterally extending portion is below the spacer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Inventors: Yu-Ying Lin, Kuan Hsuan KU, I-Cheng Hu, Chueh-Yang Liu, Shui-Yen Lu, Yu Shu LIN, Chun Yao YANG, Yu-Ren Wang, Neng-Hui Yang
  • Patent number: 9966434
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate including a plurality of transistor devices formed thereon, at least an epitaxial structure formed in between the transistor devices, and a tri-layered structure formed on the epitaxial structure. The epitaxial structure includes a first semiconductor material and a second semiconductor material, and a lattice constant of the second semiconductor material is larger than a lattice constant of the first semiconductor material. The tri-layered structure includes an undoped epitaxial layer, a metal-semiconductor compound layer, and a doped epitaxial layer sandwiched in between the undoped epitaxial layer and the metal-semiconductor compound layer. The undoped epitaxial layer and the doped epitaxial layer include at least the second semiconductor material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Ming-Shiou Hsieh, Chun-Yao Yang, Shi-You Liu, Rong-Sin Lin, Han-Ting Yen, Yi-Wei Chen, I-Cheng Hu, Yu-Shu Lin, Neng-Hui Yang
  • Patent number: 9929264
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a gate structure formed over the semiconductor substrate, and an epitaxial structure formed partially within the semiconductor substrate. A vertically extending portion of the epitaxial structure extends vertically above a top surface of the semiconductor substrate in an area adjacent the gate structure. A laterally extending portion of the epitaxial structure extends laterally at an area below the top surface of the semiconductor substrate in a direction toward an area below the gate structure and beyond an area where the epitaxial structure extends vertically. The device further includes an interlayer dielectric layer between a side surface of the vertically extending portion of the epitaxial structure and a side surface of the gate structure. A top surface of the laterally extending portion of the epitaxial structure directly contacts the interlayer dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Yu-Ying Lin, Kuan Hsuan Ku, I-Cheng Hu, Chueh-Yang Liu, Shui-Yen Lu, Yu Shu Lin, Chun Yao Yang, Yu-Ren Wang, Neng-Hui Yang
  • Publication number: 20170365703
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a gate structure formed over the semiconductor substrate, and an epitaxial structure formed partially within the semiconductor substrate. A vertically extending portion of the epitaxial structure extends vertically above a top surface of the semiconductor substrate in an area adjacent the gate structure. A laterally extending portion of the epitaxial structure extends laterally at an area below the top surface of the semiconductor substrate in a direction toward an area below the gate structure and beyond an area where the epitaxial structure extends vertically. The device further includes an interlayer dielectric layer between a side surface of the vertically extending portion of the epitaxial structure and a side surface of the gate structure. A top surface of the laterally extending portion of the epitaxial structure directly contacts the interlayer dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Yu-Ying LIN, Kuan Hsuan KU, I-Cheng HU, Chueh-Yang LIU, Shui-Yen LU, Yu Shu LIN, Chun Yao YANG, Yu-Ren WANG, Neng-Hui YANG
  • Publication number: 20170330937
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate including a plurality of transistor devices formed thereon, at least an epitaxial structure formed in between the transistor devices, and a tri-layered structure formed on the epitaxial structure. The epitaxial structure includes a first semiconductor material and a second semiconductor material, and a lattice constant of the second semiconductor material is larger than a lattice constant of the first semiconductor material. The tri-layered structure includes an undoped epitaxial layer, a metal-semiconductor compound layer, and a doped epitaxial layer sandwiched in between the undoped epitaxial layer and the metal-semiconductor compound layer. The undoped epitaxial layer and the doped epitaxial layer include at least the second semiconductor material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventors: Ming-Shiou Hsieh, Chun-Yao Yang, Shi-You Liu, Rong-Sin Lin, Han-Ting Yen, Yi-Wei Chen, I-Cheng Hu, Yu-Shu Lin, Neng-Hui Yang
  • Publication number: 20170294540
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The semiconductor includes a substrate, two source/drain regions, a gate structure and two salicide layers. The two source/drain regions are partially disposed in the substrate each with a substantially flat top surface higher than a top surface of the substrate, and the two source/drain regions are separated from each other. The two source/drain regions are formed of an epitaxial material. The gate structure is disposed on the substrate between the two source/drain regions. The two salicide layers are disposed on the substantially flat top surfaces of the two source/drain regions, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Inventors: I-Cheng Hu, Kai-Hsiang Wang, Tien-I Wu, Yu-Shu Lin, Shu-Yen Chan
  • Patent number: 9748386
    Abstract: An epitaxial structure of semiconductor device includes a substrate, a recess, a first epitaxial layer, a second epitaxial layer, and a third epitaxial layer. The recess is formed in the substrate and disposed near a surface of the substrate, wherein the recess has a recess depth. The first epitaxial layer is disposed on surfaces of a sidewall and a bottom of the recess. The second epitaxial layer is disposed on the surface of the first epitaxial layer, wherein the Ge concentration of the second epitaxial layer is greater than the Ge concentration of the first epitaxial layer. The third epitaxial layer is disposed on the surface of the second epitaxial layer, wherein the Ge concentration of the third epitaxial layer is greater than the Ge concentration of the second epitaxial layer, and the depth of the third epitaxial layer is about ½ to about ¾ of the recess depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: I-cheng Hu, Tien-I Wu, Chun-Jen Chen, Yu-Shu Lin, Neng-Hui Yang
  • Patent number: 9748147
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an epitaxial layer includes providing a silicon substrate. A dielectric layer covers the silicon substrate. A recess is formed in the silicon substrate and the dielectric layer. A selective epitaxial growth process and a non-selective epitaxial growth process are performed in sequence to respectively form a first epitaxial layer and a second epitaxial layer. The first epitaxial layer does not cover the top surface of the dielectric layer. The recess is filled by the first epitaxial layer and the second epitaxial layer. Finally, the first epitaxial layer and the second epitaxial layer are planarized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Yi-Fan Li, Li-Wei Feng, Li-Chieh Hsu, Chun-Jen Chen, I-Cheng Hu, Tien-I Wu, Yu-Shu Lin, Neng-Hui Yang
  • Patent number: 9741818
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a semiconductor structure for improving quality of an epitaxial layer is provided in the present invention. The manufacturing method includes the following steps. A gate structure is formed on a semiconductor substrate, and two lightly doped regions are formed in the semiconductor substrate at two sides of the gate structure. A capping layer is formed on the gate structure and the lightly doped regions. Two epitaxial layers are formed at the two sides of the gate structure after the step of forming the capping layer. An oxide film formed on the lightly doped regions will influence the growth condition of the epitaxial layers. A removing process is performed to remove the oxide film on the lightly doped regions before the step of forming the capping layer so as to improve the quality of the epitaxial layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Chueh-Yang Liu, Yu-Ying Lin, I-cheng Hu, Tien-I Wu, Yu-Shu Lin, Yu-Ren Wang
  • Patent number: 9722030
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate including a plurality of transistor devices formed thereon, at least an epitaxial structure formed in between the transistor devices, and a tri-layered structure formed on the epitaxial structure. The epitaxial structure includes a first semiconductor material and a second semiconductor material, and a lattice constant of the second semiconductor material is larger than a lattice constant of the first semiconductor material. The tri-layered structure includes an undoped epitaxial layer, a metal-semiconductor compound layer, and a doped epitaxial layer sandwiched in between the undoped epitaxial layer and the metal-semiconductor compound layer. The undoped epitaxial layer and the doped epitaxial layer include at least the second semiconductor material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Ming-Shiou Hsieh, Chun-Yao Yang, Shi-You Liu, Rong-Sin Lin, Han-Ting Yen, Yi-Wei Chen, I-Cheng Hu, Yu-Shu Lin, Neng-Hui Yang
  • Patent number: 9716165
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a gate structure formed over the semiconductor substrate, and an epitaxial structure formed partially within the semiconductor substrate. A vertically extending portion of the epitaxial structure extends vertically above a top surface of the semiconductor substrate in an area adjacent the gate structure. A laterally extending portion of the epitaxial structure extends laterally at an area below the top surface of the semiconductor substrate in a direction toward an area below the gate structure and beyond an area where the epitaxial structure extends vertically. The device further includes an interlayer dielectric layer between a side surface of the vertically extending portion of the epitaxial structure and a side surface of the gate structure. A top surface of the laterally extending portion of the epitaxial structure directly contacts the interlayer dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corporation
    Inventors: Yu-Ying Lin, Kuan Hsuan Ku, I-Cheng Hu, Chueh-Yang Liu, Shui-Yen Lu, Yu Shu Lin, Chun Yao Yang, Yu-Ren Wang, Neng-Hui Yang
  • Publication number: 20170170296
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a semiconductor structure for improving quality of an epitaxial layer is provided in the present invention. The manufacturing method includes the following steps. A gate structure is formed on a semiconductor substrate, and two lightly doped regions are formed in the semiconductor substrate at two sides of the gate structure. A capping layer is formed on the gate structure and the lightly doped regions. Two epitaxial layers are formed at the two sides of the gate structure after the step of forming the capping layer. An oxide film formed on the lightly doped regions will influence the growth condition of the epitaxial layers. A removing process is performed to remove the oxide film on the lightly doped regions before the step of forming the capping layer so as to improve the quality of the epitaxial layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Chueh-Yang Liu, Yu-Ying Lin, I-cheng Hu, Tien-I Wu, Yu-Shu Lin, Yu-Ren Wang
  • Patent number: 9673324
    Abstract: The present invention provides a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) device, including a substrate, a gate structure on the substrate and a source/drain region disposed in the substrate at one side of the gate structure and in at least a part of an epitaxial structure, wherein the epitaxial structure includes a first buffer layer, which is an un-doped buffer layer, including a bottom portion disposed on a bottom surface of the epitaxial structure and a sidewall portion disposed on a concave sidewall of the epitaxial structure, an epitaxial layer which is encompassed by the first buffer layer, and a semiconductor layer which is disposed between the first buffer layer and the epitaxial layer. The source/drain region is disposed in the epitaxial structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Tien-I Wu, I-Cheng Hu, Yu-Shu Lin, Shu-Yen Chan, Neng-Hui Yang
  • Publication number: 20170133460
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming a semiconductor structure, including: first, a substrate is provided. Next, at least two gate structures are formed on the substrate, each gate structure including two spacers disposed on two sides of the gate structure. Afterwards, a dry etching process is performed to remove parts of the substrate, so as to form a recess in the substrate, and a wet etching process is performed, to etch partial sidewalls of the recess, so as to form at least two tips on two sides of the recess respectively. In addition, parts of the spacer are also removed through the wet etching process, and each spacer includes a rounding corner disposed on a bottom surface of the spacer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Tien-I Wu, I-cheng Hu, Yu-Shu Lin, Chun-Jen Chen, Tsung-Mu Yang, Kun-Hsin Chen, Neng-Hui Yang, Shu-Yen Chan
  • Publication number: 20170117410
    Abstract: An epitaxial structure of semiconductor device includes a substrate, a recess, a first epitaxial layer, a second epitaxial layer, and a third epitaxial layer. The recess is formed in the substrate and disposed near a surface of the substrate, wherein the recess has a recess depth. The first epitaxial layer is disposed on surfaces of a sidewall and a bottom of the recess. The second epitaxial layer is disposed on the surface of the first epitaxial layer, wherein the Ge concentration of the second epitaxial layer is greater than the Ge concentration of the first epitaxial layer. The third epitaxial layer is disposed on the surface of the second epitaxial layer, wherein the Ge concentration of the third epitaxial layer is greater than the Ge concentration of the second epitaxial layer, and the depth of the third epitaxial layer is about ½ to about ¾ of the recess depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Inventors: I-cheng Hu, Tien-I Wu, Chun-Jen Chen, Yu-Shu Lin, Neng-Hui Yang
  • Patent number: 9214551
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device, and a semiconductor device made with the method are described. In the method, a cavity is formed in a substrate, a first epitaxy process is performed under a pressure higher than 65 torr to form a buffer layer in the cavity, and a second epitaxy process is performed to form a semiconductor compound layer on the buffer layer in the cavity. In the semiconductor device, the ratio (S/Y) of the thickness S of the buffer layer on a lower sidewall of the cavity to the thickness Y of the buffer layer at the bottom of the cavity ranges from 0.6 to 0.8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Ming-Hua Chang, Tien-Wei Yu, I-Cheng Hu, Chieh-Lung Wu, Yu-Shu Lin, Chun-Jen Chen, Tsung-Mu Yang, Tien-Chen Chan, Chin-Cheng Chien